See the French film Le Père Noël (Santa Claus). The film tell the story of young Antoine (Victor Cabal), who wishes to ride through the sky in Santa's sleigh. When Antoine sees Santa Claus (Tahar Rahim) on his balcony on Christmas Eve, the boy agrees to be his little helper, unaware that this Santa is actually a burglar. The film is subtitled in English and Arabic. Various timings from 10am, Novo Cinemas, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai, 04 366 9898, www.novocinemas.com
Visit the holiday bazaar at The Galleria, which features 16 kiosks offering traditional treats, gingerbread-decorating stations, a Christmas tree and a snowball park where kids can make snow angels. From 4pm to 10pm, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 02 616 6999, www.thegalleria.ae
Enjoy the festive market, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread treats at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Activities include a giant snow globe, live music from 7pm daily, an ice-skating rink, reindeer rodeo, a North Pole train and more. From 1pm to midnight, free entry, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 04 366 8888, www.jumeirah.com
Designyour own Christmas-themed artwork at Art Beat. Drop in on Christmas Day and paint a candle using stencils, or paint a Santa figurine and make him into a snow globe complete with glitter, or try your hand at painting on glass to make a candle holder. From 9am to 6pm, corner of 4th and 25th streets, Abu Dhabi, 02 444 5135, search for Art Beat UAE on Facebook.
Visit City Centre Mirdif and enjoy various roaming acts such as the Argentinian magician Hernan Lormant, who will wander the mall and surprise visitors with magic and festive treats. There are also opportunities to have your photo taken with snowmen and elves. From 10am to 1am, Mirdif, Dubai, 800 6422, www.facebook.com/CityCentreMirdif
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